By Marge Lewter
The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring. Spring actually began on March 20 at 12:15 p.m. this year though you wouldn’t know it from our recent weather. Equinox comes from the Latin “equi” which means equal and “nox” which means night. Thus, the length of night is equal to the length of day. As evenings get longer and warmer, it is an excellent time to observe and learn about the night skies.
You will have a unique opportunity to learn more about our night skies from members of the Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society this Friday night if the skies are clear. This group donated a telescope to the Craig County Public Library, and they will demonstrate its use while telling us about the night skies.
Our skies are particularly dark due to our distance from urban light pollution. The gathering will be held near the Field of Dreams at the Craig Valley Baptist Church picnic pavilion. Look for signs just past the Craig County High School to find the astronomy group. It will be a wonderful opportunity for parents to share with children and grandchildren the joys of the night skies we have.
The quarter moon be low in the sky having risen at 10:22 a.m. and setting at 12:02 a.m. There will be planets to see and constellations to learn about. Right now, the weather forecast is for 62 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms. The library Facebook page can update you regarding any cancellation due to a storm. Let’s hope for a clear night!
A few days later, April 22, the Lyrid Meteor shower will peak. Plan a comfortable spot to sit and be patient. A meteor shower is a reward worth waiting for! One night a six-year-old asked her mom, what is a meteor shower? The mother said, “I will wake you, and you will see tonight.” When woken at 4 a.m., the child was grumpy and impatient. Mom said, “Look out of the window for a few minutes.” The child got more grumpy, and the mom said, “For being disrespectful, you will sit and look out the window at the night sky for five minutes with lights off.” After about four minutes, the child exclaimed, ”I saw one! Mom, I saw a meteor shower!” True story. It does take patience.
It is astounding to think that many urban dwellers have never seen the grandeur of the Milky Way or the planets in our sky. Now that evenings are balmy, spend some time outdoors and take time to gaze to the heavens and enjoy the treasure of the night skies we have.
Library News:
●April 14-21 Volunteer Appreciation Week. Thank a volunteer, become a volunteer. You are appreciated!
●Friday, April 20 from 7-9:30 pm. Stargazing with Roanoke Valley Astronomy Club. Craig Valley Baptist Church picnic shelter. (Across from Extension office on route 615) Telescope instruction will be provided. The event takes place only if the weather is clear. Call the library at 864-8978 if there are any questions.
●Saturday, April 21 BIG Community Yard Sale: Have your yard sale and let’s spread the word about the treasures to be found in Craig County. Look for our Facebook posts to share with your friends, and please do let us know the time and address of your yard sale!
●Saturday, April 21, Book Sale at the library 8 a.m. -3 p.m.
●May 1 Deadline is extended for photo contest. Theme: Historic Treasures of Craig County. Submit photos to [email protected]. Gift card prizes for Food Country for winners in three categories: children, teens and adults.
●May 22, Friends of the Library is hosting local author Dr. Mary Mc Donald of Catawba for our annual meeting and spring event. Check out her excellent book, The Magnet. Stay tuned for details.
Interested in becoming a trustee or a volunteer? Contact us at [email protected]!
